Formula /(?)/

For·mu·la

Formula

n.

pl. Formulas, Formulæ

  1. A prescribed or set form; an established rule; a fixed or conventional method in which anything is to be done, arranged, or said.
  2. A written confession of faith; a formal statement of foctrines. (Eccl.)
  3. A rule or principle expressed in algebraic language; as, the binominal formula. (Math.)
  4. A prescription or recipe for the preparation of a medicinal compound. (Med.)
  5. A symbolic expression (by means of letters, figures, etc.) of the constituents or constitution of a compound. (Chem.)

Phrases & Compounds
Empirical formula
an expression which gives the simple proportion of the constituents; as, the empirical formula of acetic acid is C2H4O2.
Graphic formula
an expression of the constitution, and in a limited sense of the structure, of a compound, by the grouping of its atoms or radicals; as, a rational formula of acetic acid is CH3.(C:O).OH; -- called also structural formula, constitutional formula, etc. See also the formula of Benzene nucleus, under Benzene.
Molecular formula
a formula indicating the supposed molecular constitution of a compound.